When you’re starting to plan your dream space, it’s natural to focus on the ‘main’ interior design costs – like furniture, fittings, and labour. But as you get into the details, you might find there are a few additional expenses that don’t always spring to mind right away.
These are the smaller, often-overlooked costs that add up quickly and can easily put you over budget if not accounted for. Factoring them in from the beginning can help make sure your budget covers everything needed to bring your vision to life – without surprises along the way.
In this post, we’ll highlight these often-missed areas so you can feel confident, prepared, and fully in control of your budget as you plan your project.
1. Trade costs and contingency
With any design project, tradespeople are essential to bringing the vision to life. From painters and electricians to joiners and tilers, each specialist brings unique expertise – and their work often requires additional time and budget, especially if unexpected issues arise.
These adjustments can add up, so having a strong contingency plan in place is key.
Tip: We recommend setting aside an additional 20% of your budget as a contingency fund to cover any unexpected trading costs that may come up. This way, you’ll be prepared if timelines or costs change, giving you peace of mind.
2. Technical interruptions and structural issues
Some of the biggest surprises in a project come from unforeseen structural or technical challenges, such as outdated wiring, unexpected plumbing adjustments, or issues with walls or flooring.
These can slow down the project and lead to additional interior design costs if repairs or upgrades are needed.
Tip: Speak with your designer and contractors early on to anticipate any technical or structural updates. Factoring in a small allowance for these adjustments can save you from budget surprises down the line.
3. Bespoke joinery and carpentry
Custom pieces like built-in wardrobes, shelving, or tailored storage solutions add personality and functionality to a space. However, bespoke joinery is often more costly than ready-made options due to the skilled craftsmanship and time involved.
Tip: If bespoke joinery is part of your design vision, request detailed quotes from your joiner or designer to ensure these unique pieces fit into your budget. Knowing what to expect will help you feel comfortable investing in these custom elements.
4. Curtains, blinds, and window treatments
Window treatments are essential for tying a room together, but the cost of custom curtains and blinds can add up, especially when custom fabrics are required to match a specific style or colour scheme.
These finishing touches bring warmth and functionality to a space, helping to control light and privacy, but they’re sometimes overlooked in the initial budgeting.
Tip: Plan for these treatments as part of your overall budget and discuss your preferences with your designer. Custom window treatments are well worth the investment, but planning for them helps keep your budget on track.
5. Soft furnishings, accessories, and styling
Once the major work is done, soft furnishings, accessories, and styling are what truly bring a space to life and ties everything together.
Items like cushions, throws, rugs, artwork, and decorative pieces add warmth and personality, but they’re often left out of the initial budgeting. These details are essential for a cohesive and finished look.
Tip: Set aside a portion of your budget specifically for styling items and soft furnishings. Discuss these elements with your designer to make sure you have everything you need to complete your space.
6. Plug sockets, light switches, and hardware
The cost of updating plug sockets, light switches, and door hardware can add up quickly, especially when trying to achieve a cohesive look throughout the home. These details can be easy to overlook, but when chosen thoughtfully, they add a polished, unified feel.
Tip: Consider the number of sockets, switches, and hardware items that might need updating, and allow for these costs in your budget. Matching these details can make a big difference in creating a seamless, refined look.
7. Paint and wallpaper
Paint and wallpaper often require more than initially planned, especially if multiple coats are needed, or if additional spaces, like ceilings or trim, need covering to achieve the desired look.
Interior design costs can add up quickly if you need extra materials to ensure consistency across rooms.
Tip: When calculating paint or wallpaper needs, consider a little extra to cover any unexpected areas or to ensure seamless matching throughout your space. Having an accurate estimate helps prevent last-minute costs.
8. Delivery costs
While it’s easy to focus on the cost of furniture and custom items, delivery costs are often a separate expense that can add up, especially for larger or more complex pieces.
Items like oversized furniture, fragile decor, or heavy fixtures may require special handling or even multiple people to transport and install, which can increase delivery fees.
Tip: Ask your suppliers or designer for a clear breakdown of delivery costs for all major items, especially custom or oversized pieces. Including these fees in your initial budget ensures there are no surprises when it comes time to bring everything into your space.
Planning for the details? Let’s chat about your project
Creating your dream space should be an enjoyable, rewarding experience, and planning for these often-overlooked interior design costs will help ensure a smooth project from start to finish.
At Natalie Holden Interiors, we’re committed to providing transparent guidance and proactive planning, so you can feel fully prepared.
If you’re ready to explore your ideas and create a budget that fits your project, book a consultation with us. We’d love to discuss how we can support you in bringing your vision to life.